__________________“We are not spared dark nights. They are clearly necessary, so that we can learn through suffering, so that we can acquire freedom and maturity and above all else a capacity for sympathy with others.” Pope Benedict XVI

Dan Hope‏@Dan_Hope@TonyPauline reported today #LSU coaches aren't giving DE Sam Montgomery a "ringing endorsement" to NFL teams. Not a good sign for him.

He's gonna be this years Justin Houston. I honestly like Montgomery more than I like Mingo. I think Montgomery has a better pro-style game. Houston lasted till the 3rd round for similar reasons, lack of commitment, focus, weed, etc. But the jump seemingly straightened him out. Maybe the same could happen to Montgomery. That being said, I prob wouldnt take him in the 1st. 2nd-3rd, I'd love to see us make that move.

Smith is the longest tenured player on the team, along with Devery, IIRC. Always liked him, just not his production relative to his contract lately. Regardless, this will be his 5th Defensive coordinator, and I have no problem finishing his career with the team that drafted him while accepting a reduced role and salary, and providing leadership and presence in the locker room.

Sometimes I think a lot of people on here don't see a lot of Saints games.

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And exactly which games were you watching where he did well? He was getting pushed around in normal run defense, against zone read offenses he was embarrassing, and his lack of ability to rush the passer made a bad secondary look even worse.

I hate it when people say "he's done nothing." That is just the most absurd thing I've ever heard.

His sack production is not up to par. His age is getting up there. That doesn't mean he can't play in the NFL anymore. Up until this season, he was HANDS DOWN OUR BEST DEFENSIVE END ON THE ROSTER. Cam Jordan would be that guy now, but if you think that Will Smith is done, you're lost.

He's restructuring. He can help this team. Sounds like the best possible outcome.

__________________
\"It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men.\"
-Vince Lombardi

Jason Cole‏@JasonColeYahoo
Saints are working on a restructured deal for DE Will Smith. Not done, but progressing.

Contrary to popular belief, this is a good thing. I think Will and the team know that he's no longer a "starter", and signing him a a cap friendly number is best for both parties. Will Smith is everything good about the Saints. This man has been through it all down here, and the fact that he and the team are trying to get this done is great to me. Will Smith may never be a starter again, but he is a leader. I'd love to see him retire a Saint. In a day where loyalty doesnt exist, I love that both parties are working together on this.

And exactly which games were you watching where he did well? He was getting pushed around in normal run defense, against zone read offenses he was embarrassing, and his lack of ability to rush the passer made a bad secondary look even worse.

He's obviously a leader of a defense but that's as far as it goes.

So he looked like the rest of our defense in those situations?

I wouldn't judge any defensive player based solely on last season. If we did, we would be blowing up the whole defense, personnel wise, and starting over.

__________________
\"It is essential to understand that battles are primarily won in the hearts of men.\"
-Vince Lombardi